Silky Oaks Lodge and Healing Waters Spa, Mossman

I will start with the negative...ants galore, but that goes with the territory...leave a piece of food in your suitcase, and the ants will have an absolute field day. It was our own little paradise...a quaint cabin overlooking the incredible scenery. The place did cater more toward an upper class, which we are not, but still made you feel very warm and welcome. The night tour was informative, seeing the poisonous brown snake, the unusual lizard I spotted, and much more. By day, whether you explored or relaxed, it was just heavenly. The elusive blue butterflies were fun to spot. The cuisine could be daring, again for someone uncultured...still, I dared eat the green ant ice cream delicacy...while not sure if the texture was grossing me out, the taste of these must-not-eat-alive ants was a delicious citrus taste I have admittedly never forgotten! The lodge, surrounded by eco-wilderness on three sides, was amazing! Our stay followed one on a dive boat out of nearby Cairns. When we return, Silky Oaks will definitely be on our short list...it was 8 years ago, but the memories are as poignant as though it where yesterday. While more variety in the restaurant would be a plus (again, based on our 1998 stay), it was superb, stunningly beautiful, and never to be forgotten. What an absolutely magical place. The visit date does not allow entry of 1998, but the visit was in September 1998...a perfect time of the year there!